Cookham

Cookham

The Royal Manor of Cookham was held by the Crown until 1818. Although many changes have taken place since then, Cookham has made the most of its position and is now one of the most popular Thames-side villages with many superb restaurants and inns. These include The Bel and The Dragon which was built in 1417 and is reputedly one of the oldest licensed houses in England.

The Church of the Holy Trinity, although considerably restored, retains parts of its Norman origins as well as many examples of later construction, from the early English to the late Perpendicular period (1350 – 1550) when the tower was erected. The interior has many interesting brasses and memorials.

The name of Cookham is closely associated with Sir Stanley Spencer, who lived in the village until his death in 1959 and who used the local scenery as the background to many of his paintings. The Stanley Spencer Gallery in the High Street is open at certain times throughout the year and contains many items of interest.

A colourful ceremony, which attracts many visitors to Cookham, is swan-upping, which takes place during the third week in July. This is the time when the Queen’s Swan Marker counts all new cygnets and assigns ownership between the Crown and the ancient Vintners and Dyers – the only other bodies entitled to swan rights on the River Thames.

The centre of the parish is at Cookham Rise, now featuring a modern shopping development and a station on the Maidenhead to Marlow branch line with connections for London.

The residential area of Cookham Dean is noted for the beauty of its cherry orchards in springtime and the panoramic views from Winter Hill, now the property of the National Trust. There are many well signposted walks, including those in other areas of the parish administered by the National Trust, such as Cockmarsh and Cookham Dean Common.

http://www.cookham.com


Cookham Contact

Cookham Parish Council
Contact: Mrs Janet Wheeler

Address:
Council Offices
High Road
Cookham Rise
Berkshire
SL6 9JF

Tel: 01628 522003

Email: cookham.parish.council@rbwm.gov.uk